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A New Call to Action to Combat an Old Nemesis: Addressing Rising Congenital Syphilis Rates in the United States

Aliza M Machefsky1,2, Penny S Loosier1, Ryan Cramer1

  • 1Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|July 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Congenital syphilis (CS) is increasing, posing a public health risk. Early identification and treatment of maternal syphilis with penicillin G during pregnancy can prevent infant infections and complications.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Congenital syphilis (CS) is a growing public health concern in the United States.
  • It results from transplacental transmission of *Treponema pallidum* from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus.
  • Untreated maternal syphilis can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and severe health issues in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss challenges in preventing congenital syphilis.
  • To summarize missed opportunities for CS prevention.
  • To provide practical solutions for future CS prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of public health and healthcare system challenges.
  • Analysis of missed opportunities in CS prevention.
  • Development of practical solutions for CS prevention.

Main Results:

  • Congenital syphilis is a preventable infection.
  • Effective prevention relies on timely identification and treatment of maternal syphilis.
  • Challenges exist in current public health and healthcare systems for CS prevention.

Conclusions:

  • Timely and appropriate penicillin G treatment during pregnancy is crucial for preventing CS.
  • Addressing system-level challenges and missed opportunities is vital for future CS prevention.
  • Enhanced strategies are needed to combat the rise of congenital syphilis.

Keywords:
congenital syphilispregnancyprenatal caresexually transmitted infections

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